(1564 – 1616)

William Shakespeare is one of the greatest and most famous writers in the world. He was born in 1564 in Stratford-on- Avon. It was a small English town. His father wan- ted his son to be an educated person and William was sent to the local grammar school, he had no free time. When he had a break William liked to go to the forest and to the river Avon.

At that time actors and actresses visited Stratford-on- Avon. William liked to watch them. He was fond of their profession and he decided to become an actor.

He went to London. There he became an actor. He began to write plays too. Shakespeare was both an actor and a playwright. In his works Shakespeare described the most important and dramatic events in life. His plays were staged in many theatres, translated into many languages and they made Shakespeare a very popular man.

The writers most famous plays are Othello, King Lear, Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.

He produced thirty seven plays. He was connected with the best theatres in England for twenty five years.

William Shakespeare wrote a lot of poetry. His sonnets have been published in many languages. They are well known. We dont know a lot facts about Shakespeares life. We can only guess what kind of man he was, thats why there are many legends about his life.

So oft have I invoked thee for mu Muse And found such fair assistance in my verse As every alien pen hath got my use And under thee their poesy disperse. Thine eyes that taugth the dumb on highto sing And heavy ignorance aloft to fly Have addent feathers to the learneds wing And given grase a double majesty. Yet be most proud of that which I compile, Whose influence is thine and born of thee : In others works thou dost but mendthe style And arts with thy sweet graces grased be ; But thou art all my art and dost advance As high as learning my rude ignorance. WILLIAM SHAKESPEAR, SONNET #78

William Shakespeare dies His plays are still popular and millions of people admire them.